Baseball is more than a game; it’s strategy, teamwork, and trust. For Captain Eric McGowen, those same qualities have guided his journey from Ball State’s club baseball field to leading with integrity in the U.S. Air Force.

Capt McGowen has always felt a competitive drive through his dedication and love for sports. While at Ball State University, he attended as many sporting events as possible on top of his own commitment to baseball.

Whether through sports or academics, Capt McGowen credits Ball State for his personal and professional growth.

“At Ball State, I learned how to take in and retain information. I truly learned what study techniques were helpful to me and how to take effective notes, process the information, and apply it to the situation at hand,” Capt McGowen said.

Finding His Path

After earning his degree from Ball State in 2016, Capt McGowen pursued law school but soon realized traditional firm life wasn’t for him. A summer working in the legal office at Ramstein Air Base in Germany revealed a new calling, military law, setting him on the path to serve through the Air Force.

Upon graduating in 2019, he passed the Bar and attended officer training school (OTS). Upon successful completion of basic and technical training, he worked in legal offices around the world, gaining experience and perspective that would shape his leadership style.

Leading with Integrity

His first Air Force assignment was at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, during the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic. There, he served as a prosecutor, advised commanders on administrative actions and operations law, and assisted in investigations.

Reflecting on those early challenges and responsibilities, Capt McGowen emphasized the importance of learning through experience and leading with integrity.

“In your early, formative years, it’s essential to be a good follower: to listen, observe, and learn,” Capt McGowen said. “As you gain experience, true leadership comes from being authentic in your words, standing by them, and consistently living them out through your actions. That, I believe, is the foundation of great leadership.”

That foundation prepared him well for what came next, a leadership role that brought even more responsibility and a broader impact.

A Career of Service

When he returned to the states, Capt McGowen was assigned to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, as the Area Defense Counsel (ADC) responsible for that region. In this role, he was responsible for two bases in West Texas and worked cases ranging from minor administrative actions to federal felony-level court-martials.

In July 2025, he transitioned to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, where he now serves as Senior Defense Counsel. His area of responsibility covers the Southeastern United States, including bases in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Coming full circle, Capt McGowen now supervises the position he once held. He oversees four ADCs and the paralegals who support their offices, while continuing to represent airmen and guardians accused of crimes. This time he is focusing on felony-level court-martial cases and high-ranking member investigations.

Recognition and Reflection

As he advanced through each assignment, Capt McGowen’s dedication and leadership have earned him recognition from both the Air Force and his alma mater.

“This past summer, I was notified that I was selected to be promoted to Major,” Capt McGowen said. “I anticipate pinning on the rank of Major in May of 2026.”

Recently, Capt McGowen’s commitment to service and mentorship was also recognized by Ball State University, where he received the Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Award. The award honors alumni who exemplify leadership, volunteerism, and a continued connection to Ball State.

“Ball State truly changed my life and helped shape the person I am today,” Capt McGowen said. “To be recognized by the university for what I’ve accomplished in my career, all built on the foundation they gave me, means so much. It’s an honor that my family and I genuinely celebrated.”

Just like in baseball, where success depends on knowing your team, studying your opponent, and leading with purpose, Capt McGowen continues to carry those same principles into every courtroom and command. Whether on the field or in the courtroom, he leads with the same focus and integrity that once guided his game by proving that great leadership, like baseball, is built on preparation, trust, and teamwork.